BASIC FRITTATA (WITH VARIATIONS)

A frittata is like a cross between an omelet and a quiche, and you can eat it hot or cold, alone or sandwiched between two slices of whole-grain bread. It’s a great make-ahead breakfast or way to use a lot of leftover vegetables. Plus, the protein in those eggs provides you with lots of energy for your day! We’re giving you a basic recipe for making a vegetable frittata, but check out the variations for ideas on how to customize it.

ACTIVE TIME: 30 MINUTES    | TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR |   MAKES 6 -8 SERVINGS

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EQUIPMENT

Cutting board
Sharp knife 
Measuring spoons
8 x 8-inch baking pan, 9-inch pie pan, or 9-10-inch skillet
Measuring cup
Large skillet
Metal spatula or big spoon
Large bowl
Whisk or fork
Pot holders

INGREDIENTS

3 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1⁄2 head broccoli or cauliflower or 3/4 pound asparagus, chopped
1⁄2 cup leftover cooked potatoes or cooked rice or day-old bread cubes
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil or at leaf parsley leaves
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta or goat cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Turn the oven on and set the heat to 350 degrees. Lightly coat the pan with 1 teaspoon oil.

  2. Put the skillet on the stove, turn the heat to medium, and carefully add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil.

  3. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, about 7 minutes. Turn the heat down to low, add the vegetables and potatoes, and cook until the vegetables are the tenderness you like, 5-10 minutes. Set aside for 10 minutes, or until cool.

  4. Put the eggs, salt, and pepper in the bowl and, using the whisk or fork, mix well.

  5. Add the onion mixture, basil, and cheese, and mix well.

  6. Pour the mixture into the pan or skillet and carefully move it to the oven once the temperature has reached 350 degrees.

  7. Bake until the top is golden and the eggs are set, 25-30 minutes. (To see if the eggs are set, use pot holders to jiggle the pan back and forth: you should not see the eggs moving around)

  8. Serve warm or at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

VARIATIONS:

  • Instead of broccoli or cauliflower, try adding other favorite vegetables: a big handful of spinach or shredded kale, chopped asparagus; sliced zucchini; diced leftover sweet potatoes; even corn, frozen or cut fresh from the cob.

  • Add 1⁄2 cup diced ham, turkey or chicken, or sliced cooked sausages, or cooked bacon crumbles.

  • Instead of basil or parsley, substitute cilantro, mint, dill, snipped chives, or a few leaves of fresh thyme.